Welcome TRIO Scholars!
The TRIO Scholars Program at UCI – Student Success Initiatives – is a federally funded TRIO Program, awarded by the U.S Department of Education, that was established in 2015. Funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Student Success Initiatives provides opportunities aimed at enhancing students’ academic development, assisting students with their academic progress, and motivating students towards the successful completion of their post-secondary education. TRIO Scholars at UCI (SSI) is funded at $220,000+ annually. Housed within Student Success Initiatives in the Division of Undergraduate Education, TRIO Scholars offers approximately 146 participants academic, social, personal, and career advising and support from orientation until graduation.
Mission
Our Mission
The mission of the TRIO Scholars Program is to increase the retention and graduation rates of its student participants, and to guide and motivate students towards their transition from one level of higher education to the next. The TRIO Scholars Program provides participating students a personal guide and a roadmap to success in order for them to achieve their personal goals and to maximize their academic and post-graduation success.
Vision
Our Vision
The TRIO Scholars staff is committed to providing initiatives and opportunities that validates each student’s unique experience and nurtures both students’ sense of belonging and their vision of hope. Through academic workshops, one-on-one and group advising, tutoring, and referrals to campus resources, we strive to inform and motivate students through graduation and beyond, with an eye towards a first job or admission into graduate or professional school.
overview of services
Personal Guides
Each TRIO Scholar is paired with a dedicated personal guide, offering tailored support to ensure that students thrive at UCI while feeling fully supported.
Academic Support and Tutoring
Current UCI undergraduate students serve as Peer Tutors and help provide academic support in various subjects.
Peer Mentor Support
Current UCI undergraduate students serve as Peer Mentors and help TRIO Scholars navigate their academic journey and achieve their goals.
Workshops and Seminars
Access to a variety of workshops offered through TRIO and SSI’s Gateway Initiative. These workshops provide students with the necessary knowledge, tools, and enrichment to ensure academic success.
Learn more about Gateway Initiatives here.
Book/Laptop Loan Program
Access to a bank of resources where students may borrow available textbooks, i-Clickers, and Chromebooks, from the Student Success Initiatives, at no cost.
LARC Scholarships
A scholarship for the on-campus tutoring service. Scholars attend group study sessions for a specific class and gain skills to become successful independent learners.
Learn more about LARC here.
Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements
Interested students must be admitted to the University of California, Irvine and must meet one or more of the following requirements:
- Must demonstrate a need for academic support
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Low-income student as outlined by the guidelines set by
U.S. Department of Education - First-Generation college student (Neither parent has received a four-year degree within the United States)
- Have a disability (Must be registered with the
Disability Services Center at UCI)
The 2025 TRIO application cycle is now open.
Deadline: July 30th, 2025
Click here to apply: https://botform.compansol.com/251606070941048
If you have any questions, please contact Sonia Valencia at soniaiv@uci.edu or Stephanie Aguilar at celiasa@uci.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if the TRIO Scholars application is currently available?
Follow up with the TRIO Scholars Professional Staff to know when the application becomes available.
Sonia Valencia | TRIO Director | Email: soniaiv@uci.edu
Stephanie Aguilar| TRIO Project Advisor | Email: celiasa@uci.edu
Michelle Ly | TRIO Program Coordinator | Email: lym8@uci.edu
Where is Student Success Initiatives located and what are the hours?
Student Success Initiatives is located in Student Services II, Rm. 2200 and is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
Are there a specific number of workshops we have to go to?
As a TRIO Scholar, you must attend two workshops per quarter. If these workshops conflict with your class schedule or any other commitments, you are encouraged to attend other workshops offered through Student Success Initiative (SSI) or on campus. Please talk to a TRIO Professional Staff member if you believe you will have trouble with completing this requirement.
How do I know when my personal guide is available to make an appointment with them?
TRIO Scholars can make an appointment with their personal guide via email, phone call, or in person at the Student Success Initiatives office.
What is the difference between the TRIO Scholars program and the services provided by Student Success Initiatives?
The TRIO Scholars Program is a free program that offers participants with individualized holistic support services; free tutoring, graduate readiness support and a support network to ensure students personal and academic wellbeing. Although there are a limited number of spaces available to be a TRIO Scholar, ALL UCI students are invited to become familiar with the Student Success Initiatives office and its resources.
What are the eligibility requirements for the TRIO Scholars Program?
To receive assistance, students must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a program of post-secondary education at a grantee institution. Low-income students who are the first in their family to attend college and students with disabilities evidencing academic need are eligible to participate.
If I am already a TRIO Scholar, do I have to apply each year?
No, as a TRIO Scholar you do not need to apply each year.
How many students are selected for TRIO?
Although the number may vary from year to year, there will be at least 140 students forming part of the program.